India Pet Food Market- Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2030

India pet food market valued at US$ ** billion in 2023 and is projected to witness a CAGR of **% between 2020 to 2030. The India pet food market is poised for substantial growth, driven by rising pet ownership, evolving consumer preferences, and increased awareness of pet nutrition. Key insights reveal a shift towards premium, organic, and customized pet food products, with the growth largely concentrated in urban areas.

Market/ Product Overview

The India pet food market has witnessed a dynamic transformation over the past decade. Rapid urbanization, higher disposable incomes, and a growing trend of nuclear families have fueled pet ownership. This has led to a parallel rise in demand for high-quality pet food products. The market’s structure is characterized by diverse offerings, including dry food, wet food, treats, and specialized diets. In 2023, the market was predominantly urban-centric, but rural areas are emerging as potential growth zones. The shift towards e-commerce platforms has also facilitated the market’s expansion. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and increasing investment in domestic manufacturing are expected to bolster the industry.

Pet Population & Pet Ownership Trend in India

Pet ownership in India has seen exponential growth, with an estimated pet population of over ** million in 2023. Dogs dominate the segment, followed by cats and other pets like fish and birds. Factors such as the emotional companionship provided by pets, coupled with rising awareness of animal welfare, have contributed significantly. Millennials and Gen Z are the primary demographics driving this trend, often influenced by exposure to Western pet care norms. As families adopt pets as integral members, expenditure on pet care, including nutrition, has increased proportionally.

The primary ingredients used in Indian pet food include cereals, meat derivatives, fish meal, vegetables, and essential oils. High-protein components like chicken and fish dominate the market due to their nutritional benefits. Locally sourced ingredients such as rice, maize, and pulses are also prevalent, driven by cost-effectiveness and availability. The rising demand for organic and natural ingredients has encouraged manufacturers to incorporate fresh produce and herbs into their formulations.

India Pet Food Market Growth Factors

India’s pet food market growth is underpinned by several factors. Increased disposable incomes have enabled families to invest in premium pet care products. The growing perception of pets as family members has elevated spending on their well-being, including nutrition. Rising awareness about pet health, driven by veterinary recommendations, has popularized specialized diets tailored for specific breeds, life stages, and health conditions. The penetration of e-commerce platforms has made a wide range of products accessible, while aggressive marketing strategies by leading brands have raised awareness about the importance of balanced pet nutrition.

Restraints & Challenges

Despite its growth potential, the India pet food market faces challenges. Limited awareness in rural areas and the high cost of premium products deter widespread adoption. Regulatory barriers, including stringent import restrictions on key ingredients, often impede production capabilities. Supply chain inefficiencies, particularly in storage and transportation, result in higher operational costs. Additionally, cultural preferences for home-cooked pet meals over packaged food, particularly in non-urban regions, continue to limit market penetration.

India Pet Food Industry: Supply Chain Constraints and Value Chain Challenges

The pet food industry in India encounters significant supply chain constraints, such as inadequate cold storage infrastructure and logistics inefficiencies. Many manufacturers rely on imported ingredients, which face delays due to regulatory bottlenecks. The fragmented nature of the supply chain results in inconsistent product availability across regions. Value chain challenges include high costs of raw materials, limited local sourcing options for premium ingredients, and dependency on unorganized distribution channels. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts between stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and regulatory authorities.

India Trend of Pet Food Demand & End-Use Pet Type

Demand for pet food in India is heavily skewed towards dogs, accounting for over 70% of the market in 2023. Cats, however, represent a growing segment, driven by urban households seeking low-maintenance pets. Specialty foods catering to birds, fish, and exotic pets are also gaining traction. Customized diets and breed-specific formulations are emerging trends, reflecting the increasing sophistication of consumer preferences. Treats and functional foods targeting dental health, skin care, and weight management are expected to drive further growth.

Innovations Trend in India Pet Food Products

Innovation is reshaping the Indian pet food landscape. Manufacturers are introducing organic, grain-free, and preservative-free products to cater to health-conscious consumers. Functional foods, enriched with probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, are gaining popularity for their health benefits. The incorporation of traditional Indian ingredients such as turmeric and ashwagandha reflects the trend towards localized formulations. Moreover, the development of sustainable packaging solutions and eco-friendly practices underscores the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

India Pet Food Market: Consumer Insights

Indian consumers are increasingly prioritizing their pets’ health and nutrition. Urban households dominate the market, with millennials and working professionals driving demand for convenient, ready-to-serve pet food options. Consumers are showing a preference for branded products, perceiving them as safer and more reliable. The rising awareness of pet-specific dietary needs has led to the acceptance of premium and therapeutic diets. However, affordability remains a key consideration, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where cost-effective options are more popular.

India Pet Food Trade (Export & Import) Trend

India’s pet food trade is characterized by limited exports and significant imports. Imported products from the U.S., Europe, and Australia dominate the premium segment, favored for their quality and variety. However, high import duties and currency fluctuations pose challenges. On the export front, India’s contribution remains nascent, with few players targeting neighboring markets like Bangladesh and Nepal. Government initiatives to promote local manufacturing and reduce import dependency are expected to boost the domestic industry’s global competitiveness.

India exported ** tonnes of pet food products valued at US$ 59.26 million in 2023. Germany, U.K., USA, and Netherland were the major importers of pet food products from India. At the same time, India imports stood at US$ 129.50 million and majorly imported from Thailand, South Africa, France, and Italy.

India Pet Food Market Competitive Analysis

The competitive landscape of the Indian pet food market is marked by the presence of global giants like Mars Petcare and Nestlé Purina, alongside domestic players such as Drools and Heads Up For Tails. Multinational companies leverage their brand equity and R&D capabilities to dominate the premium segment, while local manufacturers focus on affordability and regional preferences. The rise of private-label brands through e-commerce platforms is intensifying competition. Strategic collaborations, product diversification, and targeted marketing campaigns are key strategies employed by industry players.

Developments in India Pet Food Industry:

■ Increased Investments: Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd. has raised $60 million from LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton, marking one of the largest investments in India’s pet care industry. The investment represents 10% of Drools’ valuation. The funding will enhance manufacturing capabilities, expand the retail network, and strengthen marketing efforts, the company announced.
■ Rising Market Entries: International brands, including Royal Canin and Mars Petcare, are expanding their presence, while domestic brands like Heads Up For Tails are innovating with premium and customized offerings.
■ E-commerce Expansion: Pet food brands are increasingly leveraging platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and dedicated pet-care websites to cater to growing online demand.
■ Focus on Premiumization: There is a noticeable shift toward premium and specialized pet food, such as breed-specific, grain-free, and organic products, driven by changing consumer preferences.
■ Local Manufacturing: To reduce costs and improve accessibility, several brands are investing in local manufacturing facilities and sourcing domestic ingredients.

Key Companies in India Pet Food Market include (Producers/ Exporters),

■ Mars Petcare
■ Nestlé Purina
■ Indian Broiler Group (Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd. & Pure Pet)
■ Charoen Pokphand Group
■ Himalaya Pet Care
■ Farmina Pet Foods
■ Arden Grange
■ Pawfect Foods
■ Purepet
■ Cannis Lupus Services
■ Kennel Kitchen
■ Vetina Healthcare
■ Avanti Pvt Ltd.
■ Chappi

Future Outlook

The India pet food market is poised for sustained growth through 2030, driven by increasing pet adoption and evolving consumer preferences. Investments in local manufacturing, coupled with technological advancements and innovative product launches, will shape the industry’s trajectory. Addressing supply chain inefficiencies and enhancing rural penetration will be critical for unlocking the market’s full potential.